Letter-opener



F. A. BREY.

LETTER OPENER.

APPLICATION FILED MAR- 31. 1919.

1 06,945 Patented June 17, 1919.

' ram) A. BREY, or DEL noarn, COLORADO.

LETTER-OPENER.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patm ted June 17, 11919.

Application filed March 31, 1919. Serial No. 286,261

- ting implement of simple and inexpensive construction which is of small compass so as to enable the same to be conveniently carried inthe pocket, and which may, if desired, be attached to an ordinary key ring.

A further object of the invention is to provide an envelop opener which has its cutting edges so disposed as to obviate the possibility of cutting the hands during the opening operation, and which precludes the possibility of the cutting edges engaging the pocket or clothing.

A still further object is to provide a cutting implement of the character stated which is constructed in such manner that an envelop may be easily and quickly operated upon and which permits only a very small amount of the envelop edge entering between the cutting blades, whereby the contents of the envelop are protected against becoming out or damaged.

The invention has for a still further object to provide an envelop cutting implement having improved cutting blades associated-therewith, and which blades are arranged in such manner that the same may be easily removed from the holder for sharpening or-replacing.

A still further object is to provide a de-- vice of the class described having its co-- operating blades so arranged as to exert increased cutting pressure upon envelope or paper of increasing thickness, whereby the cutting operation for such thickness is facilitated without additional physical exertion,

With these objects in view, together with. others which will appear as the description. proceeds, the invention resides in the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts, all as will be described more fully hereinafter, illustrated in the drawings, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In the drawings Figure l, is a perspective view, on an enlarged scale, of a cutting implement constructed in accordance with the invention,

Fig. 2, is a top plan view of the improved cutter, and

Fig. 3, is an end view, parts broken away, of the cutter, and showing the application of an envelop thereto.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing, 4: indicates the body portion of my improved cutter, and 5 the handle thereof. The cutter body and handle are preferably formed of a single piece of thin sheet metal,

and if the device is constructed as shown the holder may be stamped. The body part comprises a piece of metal of rectangular shape, bent upon itself at its medial portion as at 6, and the ends of the portion are flared or arranged in divergent relation to provide blade holding wings 7 The handle 5 is con.

nected to the body in such manner as to extend parallel with the bended or folded por tion of the body plate, and the handle may be enlarged at its outer end to enable the said end to be secured to a suitable support. The end of the handle in the present instance is apertured as at 8, to enable the same to be attached to a key ring.

The cutting blades of the implement are indicated at 9, and these blades are to be secured to the wingsof the holder in such .manner that the sharpened edges thereof meet, or substantially meet, over the space between a the said wings. The blades are straight throughout approximately their entire length and are of equal length with their supporting wings. Each blade is provided with an angularly disposed base portion 10, through which screws or retaining rivets 11 are driven to securethe blades to the wing portions. It will be observed, particularly with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, that the cutting blades lie in the same plane, and firmly rest upon the upper edges of the wings 7 and the sharpened edges of these blades are disposed a relatively short distance above the bottom of the base channel formed between the wings. This particular arrangement permits of a letter being placed between the cutting blades and resting in the groove or channel without the blades extending any appreciable distance beyond the envelop edge.

The forward ends of the cutting edges are curved as at 13, whereby the insertion of an envelop between the cutting edges is facilitated.

In practice, the envelop is held With one end resting in the groove between the Wings 7. The handle is grasped in one hand, the milled or roughened portion 14 on the handle permitting the fingers obtaining a firm grip, while the envelop is held with the other. Movement of the envelop and cutting device toward each other will cause the envelop edge to pass between the cutting blades and the sharpened edges will engage the envelop inwardly from the edge thereof a slight distance and will cause a clean severance. The line of cut will always be parallel with the envelop edge, as the envelop rests in the groove at themeeting portions of the wings 7. Should the blades become dull, the screws or rivets 11 may be easily removed so as topermit of the blades being detached, and the blades may be replaced or resharpened. By assembling the blades upon the wings in the manner set forth, it

Copies of this patent may be obtained for preferred form,of;the invention it is to be understood that-the invention is not limited thereto, as varlous changes may be made 1n the minor details, of construction and ar rangement of parts without departing from the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim 1. In a device of the class described, a body comprising a plate bent upon itself and providing divergent wings, blades carried by said wings and projecting toward each other and having their cutting edges substaiitially meeting equidistant between the said wings, the said cutting edges curved outwardly near one end, and means for holding the saidblades'upon'said wings.

2. In a device of the class described, a body comprising a plate bent upon itselfand providing divergent wings, cutting blades comprising bodies bent angularly and adapted to fit upon said wings, screws for attaching said bladebodies upon said wings, and the cutting edges of=said blades projecting from said wings toward each other.

In testimony whereof I aifix my signature.

' FRED A. BREY.

five cents eachfiny addressing the Commissioner of Patents, Washington, Dec. 

